All about Fire Extinguishers Manchester
Author: Abbie Adriel
Water is considered to be a very efficient fire extinguisher. It must be used only on Class A fires including furniture, fabrics, wood and paper.
- Water fire extinguishers Manchester are solid red in color and have a nozzle or hose attached, so that the stream of water can be directed at bottom of fire. As electricity is conducted by water, these fire extinguishers mustn’t be used near electricity cables. These extinguishers have to be kept aside a Co2 extinguisher so that there is no risk. With these extinguishers, the flames are extinguished and materials are soaked in fire. AFF foam works very well with Class A fires. However, flammable liquid fires of Class B fires are also extinguished. When it is sprayed on fire, the foam extinguishes and the flame is smothered. Then, dangerous vapors are sealed on the surface. Porous materials are penetrated by Foam and fire is cooled as there is evaporation of water in the foam. Since the extinguisher isn’t conductive, they can’t be used near electrical equipments. These are distinguished with their panel that is cream colored.
- Co2 or Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are considered to be safe while using near electrical fires. Co2 gas is non-conductive and no residue is left behind, that affects future performance of equipments unlike power extinguishers. These extinguishers are very effective on Class B fires. These extinguishers have a back panel and a horn. Some Co2 extinguishers have additional safety feature of frost free horns. The most efficient one is foam or water along with Co2 extinguisher.
- Dry powder fire extinguishers are considered to be quite flexible and can easily extinguish electrical fires, gases, liquids and flammable solids. Often these are recommended for use in home or vehicles although they are multipurpose. These shouldn’t be used in enclosed spaces. Powder free extinguishers have a blue panel. They smother the fire and prevent re-ignition.
- Another kind of fire extinguisher is wet chemical ones. These are specifically used for deep fat cooking fires. Before they were created, powder extinguishers or foam extinguishers were used in industrial kitchens. However, with normal extinguishers, cooking fire can be aggravated, as the temperature of oil cannot be lowered and hence, hot oil can be splashed up with extinguishing agent.
- When they are operated, chemical extinguishers cools the fat and flame and hot fat is smothered for prevention of re-ignition. There is a yellow panel on the body of a wet chemical fire extinguisher as well as long lance for distributing the extinguishing agent safely. These fire extinguishers aren’t suitable for use on electrical equipments, but have passed the conductivity test, in case they are used inadvertently.
Maintaining Fire Extinguishers Manchester
If you need fire extinguishers at workplace, a program must be instituted for inspecting, maintaining as well as testing them. The requirements include:
- All portable fire extinguishers must be tested, maintained and inspected.
- Visual inspection must be done once a month. This ensures that the extinguisher has clear access and that employee can be reached immediately in case of fire.